During the Kansai Cyclocross season
of the previous year (2022–2023),
to my watch master
↑I built a rear wheel like this,
but when it came to payment,
he firmly refused, saying
"You've done so much for me, I can't accept it."
Before that, I'd dropped off several quartz watch batteries for replacement
(the work was done at a watch repair shop through his connection, not by the master himself),
and when it came to the battery cost and labor fee,
he absolutely refused payment, saying
"You've always been so helpful, I can't take your money."
So this was my revenge.
Now you know how it feels on the receiving end of that!
Man, it feels really good
when you get the last punch in
on your own terms.
Then, during the current Kansai Cyclocross season (2023–2024),
I built a front wheel for my partner:
↑a wheel like this.
When I delivered it directly to the venue in Sakai-hama,
I received three individually wrapped fan-shaped little Baumkuchens,
which I interpreted as payment.
But when the master visited my shop the other day,
he handed me a drawstring pouch with his trademark arabesque pattern,
and when I looked inside,
there was a Speedmaster from the Swatch x Omega collaboration model.
G-g-got me!
This cycle of revenge won't end.
Just you wait, I'm serious about this.
The band has been swapped out for one with the arabesque pattern.
The standard band that came with it is also in the box,
but it's only proper etiquette to wear the arabesque version.
The gray, plastic-looking case is made of Bioceramics,
a composite material made from zirconium oxide powder and castor oil,
which has a soft feel and lacks the cold metallic sensation
(and I mean literally in terms of temperature, not just aesthetics).
I'm not the type who has metal allergies or sensitive skin
that prevents me from wearing metal band or metal case watches,
but this material might be kind to those who do.
The crystal is plastic,
neither sapphire nor mineral glass,
but the original Speedmaster model also had a plastic crystal,
so this seems more like staying true to the original specs
rather than just cutting costs.
With 3 ATM water resistance, the waterproofing is a bit questionable,
so it's best not to wear it on rainy days.
I've mentioned this before, but I own the original
of what's commonly called the "Bishop"—the black and red model
from Seiko's Giugiaro Design chronograph collection.
The reissue version you see in the back of the photo
is also something I received from my watch master.
By the way, the "Bishop" in red and black from the reissues
sold out immediately, and even industry insiders couldn't get one.
The other color variations were easier to spot in shops back then.
The Snoopy model Speedmaster from Swatch x Omega
that came out recently (March 26th)
is also difficult to obtain and has become prey for resellers.
In a similar vein, I still haven't managed to get the Big Mac G-Shock.
↑The position of the crown and the layout of the subdials are quite different.
On the reissue:
3 o'clock: 24-hour indicator and date window
6 o'clock: Chronograph 60-minute counter
9 o'clock: Watch seconds hand
On the original: No date display
3 o'clock: Chronograph 1/20 second counter
6 o'clock: Watch seconds hand
9 o'clock: Chronograph 30-minute counter
of the previous year (2022–2023),
to my watch master
↑I built a rear wheel like this,
but when it came to payment,
he firmly refused, saying
"You've done so much for me, I can't accept it."
Before that, I'd dropped off several quartz watch batteries for replacement
(the work was done at a watch repair shop through his connection, not by the master himself),
and when it came to the battery cost and labor fee,
he absolutely refused payment, saying
"You've always been so helpful, I can't take your money."
So this was my revenge.
Now you know how it feels on the receiving end of that!
Man, it feels really good
when you get the last punch in
on your own terms.
Then, during the current Kansai Cyclocross season (2023–2024),
I built a front wheel for my partner:
↑a wheel like this.
When I delivered it directly to the venue in Sakai-hama,
I received three individually wrapped fan-shaped little Baumkuchens,
which I interpreted as payment.
But when the master visited my shop the other day,
he handed me a drawstring pouch with his trademark arabesque pattern,
and when I looked inside,
there was a Speedmaster from the Swatch x Omega collaboration model.
G-g-got me!
This cycle of revenge won't end.
Just you wait, I'm serious about this.
The band has been swapped out for one with the arabesque pattern.
The standard band that came with it is also in the box,
but it's only proper etiquette to wear the arabesque version.
The gray, plastic-looking case is made of Bioceramics,
a composite material made from zirconium oxide powder and castor oil,
which has a soft feel and lacks the cold metallic sensation
(and I mean literally in terms of temperature, not just aesthetics).
I'm not the type who has metal allergies or sensitive skin
that prevents me from wearing metal band or metal case watches,
but this material might be kind to those who do.
The crystal is plastic,
neither sapphire nor mineral glass,
but the original Speedmaster model also had a plastic crystal,
so this seems more like staying true to the original specs
rather than just cutting costs.
With 3 ATM water resistance, the waterproofing is a bit questionable,
so it's best not to wear it on rainy days.
I've mentioned this before, but I own the original
of what's commonly called the "Bishop"—the black and red model
from Seiko's Giugiaro Design chronograph collection.
The reissue version you see in the back of the photo
is also something I received from my watch master.
By the way, the "Bishop" in red and black from the reissues
sold out immediately, and even industry insiders couldn't get one.
The other color variations were easier to spot in shops back then.
The Snoopy model Speedmaster from Swatch x Omega
that came out recently (March 26th)
is also difficult to obtain and has become prey for resellers.
In a similar vein, I still haven't managed to get the Big Mac G-Shock.
↑The position of the crown and the layout of the subdials are quite different.
On the reissue:
3 o'clock: 24-hour indicator and date window
6 o'clock: Chronograph 60-minute counter
9 o'clock: Watch seconds hand
On the original: No date display
3 o'clock: Chronograph 1/20 second counter
6 o'clock: Watch seconds hand
9 o'clock: Chronograph 30-minute counter